Action Verbs

Action Verbs are verbs that express action. Ex: run, walk, do, drive.

I’ll do my homework when I get home.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Most action verbs are defined as transitive or intransitive. This means that some are used with a direct object (the person or thing that receives the action of the subject) and others don’t need a direct object. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on their meaning.

Transitive Verb – Joe will send the price quote as soon as he can.

Intransitive Verb – Many of the students are not well. They coughed throughout the lesson.

Transitive Verbs

Transitive verbs always receive a direct object:

Richard annoyshis boss so much that he’ll never geta promotion.
(His boss is the direct object of annoys and a promotion is the direct object of get)

Jenna bringsMrs. Smith lunch every day.
(Mrs. Smith is the direct object of brings. Jenna is the subject.

Here’s a list of some common transitive verbs that must be followed by a direct object:

bring

send

owe

contain

buy

show

take

tell

verify

check

get

wash

finalize

annoy

lay

lend

offer

edit

make

phone

Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs do not need a direct object in order to complete their meaning. Many are followed by an adjective, adverb, preposition or verb complement (gerund or infinitive).

Here is a list of common intransitive verbs:

come

explode

laugh

sit

rise

excel

respond

run

cough

swim

emigrate

smile

act

cry

immigrate

lie

arrive

continue

die

go

If Cathy continues to be late for work, the boss will fire her.
(Continues is followed by an infinitive (to be), with no direct object.)

The bomb exploded in the city center.
(Exploded is followed by a preposition of place with no direct object.)

Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on their meanings.

Examples

Jamie setthe documents down on the CEO’s desk.
(Transitive: The documents are the direct object to the verb: set.)

The sun set low over the Pacific Ocean.
(Intransitive: Low is an adverb. Set doesn’t need a direct object.)

Ms. Tyson manages the accounting department.
(Transitive: The accounting department is the direct object to the verb: manage.)

John has had difficulty managing since his wife’s death.
(Intransitive: Since is a preposition of time. Managing doesn’t need a direct object)

Note: Transitive and intransitive verbs can appear in any tense.

Here is a list of several verbs that can be both transitive and intransitive depending on their meanings:

set

leave

give

study

sit

grow

smell

dance

sing

write

teach

burn

eat

paint

drive

manage

stop

climb

run

check

cost

go

pay

improve

Exercises – Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Decide whether the following verbs are transitive, intransitive or both:

The workmen have been painting for hours. ________________

When they call from the charity, Mrs. Alpert always gives generously. __________

Before you send the proposal, make sure you edit it carefully. ____________

That perfume smells nice. __________________

My new car cost me a small fortune. _________________

Jim owed his landlord $450. _____________

Pete emigrated from Australia in 1998. _________________

The customer was tired of waiting, so he got up and left._____________